I’ve missed the last couple updates because I kept running out of time in my week. This week I seem to have set things up to allow me to get to it early. I’ve been using a random number generator to pick 8 tasks from my 5 different projects for the week(3 writing projects, marketing, and beta reading) to work on each day. Depending on how involved each of those tasks are, I can usually get through them quickly. Monday’s took a while and I only got through the first 3. Tuesday’s were quicker, and I got through most of the marketing tasks, leaving me able to start this post on Wednesday. I think this will give me enough flexibility in my day, while keeping me focused on a smaller number of projects, to keep my brain from feeling like it’s doing the same thing all the time.
Then again, I may change it all up in 2 days. Like usual.
Writing
Prove Me Wrong
This is a story idea that came to me over the last couple weeks. So, of course, I had to start planning it out right away. Seriously. I couldn’t sleep the night after I got the idea. Started brainstorming it and my brain seemed content. This would be why I have so many projects. My brain gets on that hamster wheel and won’t get off until I do something about it. I wrote 8 back stories(4 main characters & love interests) plot summaries, and outlined using the 27 chapter method. I gave each character their own beat for each of those “chapters” so this could end up being a long story(unless it becomes too unwieldy, then I’ll probably break it up into 4 individual stories, which may end up changing how I tell the stories). I have it just about all set up to start writing now. Finished outlining this Friday morning, so now it is set up to start writing.
Heart to Heart
I may have mentioned this one before. It’s actually something I first wrote a couple years ago. When I was reading over it to start editing, I got the idea that it might work better as told through a series of messages(text, email, instant messaging, even a voicemail and some post-it notes). Of course, that means I’ll have to figure out how to format that in an ebook, but that’s for later. I haven’t added anything to this yet this week, but I’m hoping to get there later today(it’s the last task on today’s list). Didn’t get to that on Wednesday, but it made it onto Thursday’s list twice(I have 5 tasks set up for each project). I wrote all five planned messages for this week. This only equaled a little over 600 words, though.
Queer Cruise
I wrote this a while ago, and I’m working through edits as I retype it. I’ve finished through Chapter 5 currently. I’d like to have it finished before I get A Ball of Harm ready to publish, since it’s really a prequel to that. Even though this is a romance and that is a mystery(not a cozy, though, as there’s too much sex and swearing, but it felt inauthentic to the characters to withhold that). And on Wednesday, I got through 2/3 scenes for Chapter 6. I finished that Thursday. I’m down with everything early, so I may try to get more of this done later today.
Reading
Hot Target
I’ve read this book probably at least half a dozen times. I do have some issues with it, but it’s also one of my favorites of the series(Troubleshooters by Suzanne Brockmann), and not even for the main characters. It’s the start of Jules and Robin’s arc, but I think my favorite part is the dedication at the beginning. It makes me tear up every time I read it.
We Could Be So Good
I just started listening to this audiobook by Cat Sebastian on Tuesday, and I’m about 4 hours into it(out of a little less than 12). And I’m loving it(which is pretty much what I always say about Cat’s books). I may have more to say about it when I get further through it. I finished it Thursday morning, and I can honestly say I don’t have anything to complain about. I just kind of want to hug it to me(really hard to do with an audiobook).
Crafting
Agender pride whale
I’m adding more whales to my pod! I finished this one on Sunday. I’m currently making a turtle my son requested(finished this Wednesday) then I’ll do a few cross-stitch designs before I come back to more whales.
Story
I finally have another Whole Latte Love Shots story to share again. At some point there may be repeat appearances by some of the characters. This one even features(briefly) a character from one of the connected novellas.
"Black tea."
I smiled as Sheridan came up to the counter. She did not return my expression, but I wasn't bothered by that. Or surprised. I could probably count on one hand the times I'd seen her smile. Not that I needed all the customers to smile at me.
"I already have it brewing for you," I told her. "Since you are punctual as always." I'd been working here for more than two years, and I couldn't remember a day she hadn't come and always by eight in the morning.
She gave a tight nod and moved down the counter to give room to the next customer. "Bree, I haven't seen you for a while. How are things going?"
"Book's almost done. That's why I've been scarce. Holed up as Jenny says."
"I can't wait to read it. What can I get for you today?"
I made their coffee and set it on the counter before grabbing Sheridan's black tea. With those delivered, I moved on to my next customer.
"Busy today," Oscar said, leaning a hip against the counter.
"Just the way I like it," I told him. "What is it today? Fruit infused coffee? Calming tea? Something else?"
He laughed, his gaze darting to Sheridan as she picked up her tea. I shook my head. "I know you don't like anything bitter."
He wrinkled his nose. "Yeah, not in my beverages."
I bit at the corner of my lip. I'd matched up a few of my customers before. Nothing too direct, but sometimes I could see the way two people fit together. I hadn't seen it with Sheridan and Oscar. In fact, I didn't know if I'd ever seen two people with more differences. But, his gaze went toward her again.
They did say opposites attract. Who, exactly? I didn't know. And I wasn't sure if I believed it, but I didn't see any harm in introducing two people, whether or not anything came from that.
"I guess it's a 'surprise me' kind of day."
Oscar grinned at me. "You know me so well, Tiso."
"Go grab a seat. I'll call you when I have it ready."
Oscar was one of my most easy-going customers, and I'd never known him to be less than confident about anything, except sometimes choosing what drink he wanted to order. So, if he was interested in Sheridan, couldn't he just go up and talk to her, like he would anyone else? I saw him fiddling with a pin on his messenger bag, and when I realized which one it was, I realized the issue. Probably. Oscar talked to everybody, but I'd never seen him flirt with any of them.
Not that there was anything wrong with that. I never did it myself. At work or not. Just wasn't the way I functioned. But, I got the feeling he wanted to, at least this time. Or at least approach her. I could at least give them a nudge in the same direction.
I took a few more orders, letting the thoughts percolate then fixed something I knew Oscar would like, not that it took much as long as it had a sweetness to it. I grabbed a plate and added a piece of chocolate zucchini bread and a much sweeter fruit-filled cookie. Since the line at the counter had thinned out, I carried them over to Oscar myself.
"Cookie's for you, on the house," I told him. "Sheridan prefers something with a bit more bite to it."
"You want me...to take this to her?"
"Sure, why not?"
His eyes were wide, I wasn't sure if it was with panic or...no, I was pretty sure that was panic, actually. "But, she doesn't even know me. Why would she take it from me?"
"That's why you introduce yourself. I know she can be a bit brusque, but she's not actually going to bite your head off."
He still hadn't taken taken the plate or drink from me, and was still twisting that pin in his fingers. "What if she doesn't...want to take it...from someone like me."
I sighed and pushed the plate into his free hand. "We do not tolerate bigots here, Oscar. You should trust me on that. If she doesn't take it from you, it's because she's not hungry. You're not going to know if you just stand over here, though."
He took a deep breath then grabbed the plate and nodded. "Okay. I'm going to do this."
I watched as he stepped away then turned to the next customer in line. Whatever happened next would be out of my hands. But, I was definitely taking credit if it worked out.